Photo Tips on how to Shoot Butterflies

In 2006, I was assigned to accompany a reporter to Cape May for a two-day assignment: photographing monarch butterflies during their annual summer migration from Canada to Mexico.

Why Cape May? It's the spot where these incredibly beautiful and determined insects rest in large numbers before continuing their journey over the waters of Delaware Bay.

Do you need to travel to Cape May to photograph a butterfly? No.

You can park yourself beside a butterfly bush or place a butterfly feeder in a shrub, and they will find you. Or you can visit a local arboretum or park. You also don't need expensive, professional camera equipment. Here's a suggested three-step list for shooting nature photos:

Get Equipment

Any camera will do. A point-and-shoot will work, but there will be a slight shutter delay that will take some adjustment on your part. If you have a single lens reflex (SLR) camera that will accept interchangeable lenses, your job will be a little easier. A tripod will help reduce camera shake.

Have Patience

As a photojournalist, I approached this assignment like any other: Get in there and shoot. I soon learned that butterflies do not like quick movement and do not stay still for very long. Their compound eyes will detect any movement you make, so running up to one that has just landed on
a tasty flower is not going to work.